This publication presents detailed information on the design and contents of the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (SMHWB). To support appropriate interpretation of the survey results, information is presented about the following:

what information was collected;

how the information was collected; and

how the information was used to produce final estimates.

This publication covers these topics in several chapters, including Chapter 2 (Survey design) and Chapter 10 (Interpretation of results). To further assist with interpretation, a paper copy of the survey questionnaire has been released with this publication. A comprehensive list of data items from the survey (in spreadsheet format) has been released with the Technical Manual on the ABS website <www.abs.gov.au>. A list of all products released from the survey is provided in Chapter 11 (Survey products).

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The survey used the World Health Organization's (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for the diagnostic component of the survey. The survey was designed to provide prevalence estimates of selected lifetime mental disorders. Estimates for 12-month and 30-day mental disorders are also available.

RESPONSE RATES

As the response rate for this survey was lower than expected (60%), extensive non-response analyses were undertaken to assess the reliability of the survey estimates. As a result, adjustments were made to the weighting strategy. As non-response can vary across population characteristics, as well as across data items, users should exercise caution. See Chapters 2 and 10 for more information on survey methodology and non-response.

COMPARISON WITH THE 1997 SURVEY

In 1997 the ABS ran the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults. Due to differences in how the data were collected, data from 1997 are not strictly comparable with the results from 2007. For more detailed comparisons between the two surveys see Chapter 10.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ABS publications draw extensively on information provided freely by individuals, businesses, governments and other organisations. Their continued cooperation is very much appreciated: without it, the wide range of statistics published by the ABS would not be available. Information received by the ABS is treated in strict confidence as required by the Census and Statistics Act 1905. The ABS would also like to acknowledge the contribution by members of the Survey Reference Group, as well as the extensive support and technical advice provided by Dr Tim Slade and Ms Amy Johnston from the University of New South Wales.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.

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